Oral health and oral health-related quality of life in people with Marfan syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Marfan syndrome is a rare connective tissue disorder. This study was initiated to investigate the impact of Marfan syndrome on oral health.

METHODS

The person-reported perceived OHRQoL was determined using the German short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G5). In addition, all study participants took part in a clinical examination in which the objective oral health was measured using the Physical Oral Health Index (PhOX).

RESULTS

A total of 29 patients took part in the study. Of these, 20 were female and nine male and the median age was 54 years (interquartile range (IQR): 15). The median OHIP-G5 score was three (IQR: 5) (range: 0-15). The median PhOX score was 79 (IQR: 14.5). A statistically significant correlation between the OHIP-G5 and the PhOX could not be determined (r=-0.34, p = 0.074).

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that OHRQoL in particular was reduced. The measured oral health was slightly reduced compared to the general population. Nevertheless, Marfan patients should pay great attention to oral hygiene which should be checked by dental professionals at regular intervals.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.